Local Briefs

The Finance Committee convenes at 6 p.m. at the Administration Center at 400 Haber Road.

Items on the agenda include an updated fiscal 2008 outlook and a revenue projection for 2009. The committee also will review bills and hear a treasurer’s report.

– Northwest Herald

Police: Gravel-truck driver to be cited in accident

LAKE IN THE HILLS – The driver of a gravel truck heading north on Route 31 on Tuesday morning allegedly crossed the center line south of Rakow Road and collided with a southbound pickup truck, resulting in injuries to both drivers and causing a 45-minute traffic jam.

Both drivers were taken to Northern Illinois Medical Center for treatment.

Sgt. Don Fowler, shift commander with the Lake in the Hills Police Department, said the driver of the Peterbilt truck, Andy L. Hughes, 38, of Wonder Lake, would be issued a citation for driving on the wrong side of the road. Hughes was released from the medical center Tuesday afternoon.

The driver of the pickup, Norman Mitchell, 68, of Antioch, was receiving medical treatment Tuesday evening.

– Tim Kane

Man in ATV accident won’t be charged

MARENGO – A man involved in an ATV accident Saturday evening near Marengo will not be charged with any crime, police said Tuesday.

Joshua A. Ryan, 27, of Marengo lost control of an ATV while riding near Coral Lake Sand & Gravel, 8920 S. Route 23, about 5:50 p.m. Saturday, said Sgt. Duane Cedergren of the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office.

“He was riding his ATV up a hill when it rolled back down a hill,” he said. “[The ATV] rolled over him.”

Ryan was treated at St. Anthony Medical Center in Rockford and later released.

No charges were filed, police said.

– Kathy Gresey

Village may appoint clerk

HOLIDAY HILLS – Village leaders could appoint the lone applicant to Holiday Hills’ village clerk position next week.

Larissa Thompson resigned from the position a few weeks ago because of personal reasons after serving the small village for six or seven years, Village President Ken Anderson said. Village Board members discussed the applicant at a special meeting Monday.

The clerk is responsible for taking minutes during Village Board meetings, staffing village hall two days a week, and collecting money due to the village, among other duties. The position is paid $100 a month plus $10 an hour for time spent on collections, Anderson said.

“It’s not really a high-paying job, especially in a small village,” he said.

Anderson expects that the position will be filled at the Village Board’s next meeting, which starts at 7 p.m. Monday at village hall, 1304 Sunset Drive.

– Jillian Duchnowski

Miss Woodstock contestants sought

WOODSTOCK – Applications are being accepted for the 2008 Miss Woodstock Scholarship Pageant, put on by the Woodstock Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Woodstock women ages 17 to 21 who are U.S. citizens and have lived within District 200 boundaries for at least a year are eligible to apply.

The woman chosen as Miss Woodstock will receive a $2,000 scholarship and the option to compete in the Miss McHenry County pageant this summer.

The first runner-up will receive a $1,000 savings bond, and the second runner-up will earn a $500 savings bond. The contestant judged to have the best talent will win $200.

During the pageant, which begins at 7 p.m. May 21 at the Woodstock Opera House, contestants will be judged on an interview, evening gown, sponsor speech, active wear and talent.

“We are a scholarship pageant; we’re not a beauty pageant,” said Quinn Keefe, director of the Woodstock Chamber of Commerce. “Our goal is to give money to young people to continue their education.”

Miss Woodstock winners participate in local parades and Chamber of Commerce functions.

Keefe said Chamber employees will help contestants find business sponsors, a requirement of the pageant.

Applications are available between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Chamber of Commerce office, on the Woodstock Square at 136 Cass St., or at www.woodstockilchamber.com. Applications are due March 21.

For information, call the Chamber of Commerce at 815-338-2436.

– Jenn Wiant

History council plans meeting

MARENGO – The Joint Council of Historic Groups, which is composed of historical societies and preservation commissions, will meet at 7 p.m. March 26 at Riley Township Hall, 9406 Riley Road.

During the meeting, the group will plan activities for National Preservation Month, which takes place in May. Attendees also will learn about the scenic-road program, sponsored by the McHenry County Historic Preservation Commission, and the quilted-barn program, which seeks to decorate local barns with wooden quilt squares. The public is invited to attend.

For information, call Nancy Fike, director of the McHenry County Historical Society Museum, at 815-923-2267.